Big hitters added to Safeway Open field! Daly to tee it up!

Two-time major champion John Daly and two-time RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion Jamie Sadlowski, two of golf’s longest drivers, have accepted sponsor invitations to play in the Safeway Open presented by Chevron, October 4-8, 2017 at Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort and Spa.

Daly and Sadlowski are both well-known for their colorful personalities, powerful golf swings and long distance off the tee.

Daly earned the nickname “Long John,” when in 1997 he became the first player on the PGA TOUR to average over 300 yards per drive for a full season.  Winner of the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 British Open Championship, he has five career PGA TOUR victories. He is currently playing on the PGA TOUR Champions and most recently won the Insperity Invitational in May.

Sadlowski began competing in long drive competitions at the age of 14. He won the World Long Drive Junior Championship twice before entering the adult circuit, where his career long drive was 445 yards.

Though he was one of the best in the world, Sadlowski decided to leave long drive competition behind last year to pursue a golf tour career. He received his first start on the PGA TOUR in May.

“I am delighted and honored to receive this highly coveted exemption,” Sadlowski said. “I wish to thank Safeway, Chevron, the members of the tournament committee and the tournament host, Johnny Miller, for giving me the opportunity to compete in the PGA TOUR’s opening event for 2017-18. Having a spot in the field at Silverado will jump-start my season.  I can’t wait to get to the Napa Valley!”

“John and Jamie are two of the most exciting players in all of professional golf to watch,” said Jeff Sanders, Executive Director of the Safeway Open. “John is probably the closest there is in golf to a rock star and fans love him. Jamie not only kills it, he can really go low. It’s very rare to find a player who hit’s it as far as he can but still has the soft touch around the greens. Jamie might just drive a few par-4 greens at Silverado!”

“Thank you to Safeway for the opportunity to play in this year’s Safeway Open! Can’t wait to grip it and rip it for all the fans in Napa,” said Daly.

The event is in its second year with Safeway as the title sponsor and will host Phil Mickelson along with many of the other best golfers in the world as they compete Thursday through Sunday, October 5-8 for a $6.2 million purse, with $1.116 million to the winner. In addition to Mickelson, last year’s field of 144 golfers included elite players such as Matt Kuchar, Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson and Paul Casey.

The Safeway Open presented by Chevron and the three-night Safeway Open Concert Series will provide fans with an authentic Napa experience, bringing together world-renowned local chefs and wineries, popular musicians and the world’s best golfers all on one stage. The event will again feature a concert series with three consecutive nights of music after golf, featuring Gavin DeGraw (Thursday), Weezer (Friday) and Goo Goo Dolls (Saturday).

Daily tickets to the Safeway Open PGA TOUR event are on sale now and include admission to the Safeway Open Concert Series, as well as the 27,000-square foot Safeway Food and Wine Pavilion and on-site food, wine, beer and spirits venues. No additional cover charges are required.

The Safeway Open presented by Chevron and Safeway Open Concert Series are managed by Lagardère Sports. For more information on the Safeway Open and to purchase tickets, please visit www.safewayopen.com.